Brace yourself: Free false teeth under threat

“Free Teeth And Specs May be Stopped,” read the headline above the following story.

“The Chancellor is believed to be considering a wide range of new taxes for his Budget. He is also said to be considering schemes for cutting down on the social services.

“But it is expected old age pensions and war service pensions will be raised either basically or supplementarily. Free provision of false teeth, spectacles and medicine may be stopped altogether. Parents may be asked to make some contribution to the cost of school meals and transport.

“A tax may be introduced for the first time on the rising value of shares of firms given munition and other defence contracts. Tax on capital appreciation may also include big wins in football pools.”